France's Hollande says not to join 2017 presidential race

PARIS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Thursday said he will not seek a second mandate in 2017 presidential election due to broken promise on unemployment and long sliding approval rating.

"Today, I am aware of the risks that would trigger a process that would not gather enough support. So, I decided not to be a candidate in the presidential election," said Hollande.

"Do this by taking all my responsibility, but also by calling for a progressive start. What is at stake is not a person but the future of the country. I do not want France to expose itself to dangerous adventures," he added.

Hollande's decision to not run for re-election is the first such move in France's Fifth Republic.